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In his role as race director, Whiting was the lead official for race weekends, and controlled rule changes, safety requirements, and driver liaison.

FIA president Jean Todt said: “It is with immense sadness that I learned of Charlie’s sudden passing.

“I have known Charlie Whiting for many years and he has been a great Race Director, a central and inimitable figure in Formula One who embodied the ethics and spirit of this fantastic sport.

"Formula 1 has lost a faithful friend and a charismatic ambassador in Charlie.

Charlie Whiting has passed away at the age of 66 (Image: GETTY)

Charlie Whiting was a popular figure in the paddock (Image: GETTY)

Charlie Whiting was confirmed to have died this morning (Image: TWITTER)

“All my thoughts, those of the FIA and entire motor sport community go out to his family, friends, and all Formula 1 lovers.”

Ross Brawn, F1's managing director of motorsports, said: “I have known Charlie for all of my racing life. We worked as mechanics together, became friends and spent so much time together at race tracks across the world.

"I was filled with immense sadness when I heard the tragic news. I’m devastated. It is a great loss not only for me personally but also the entire Formula 1 family, the FIA and motorsport as a whole.